Understanding series – Retinal detachment

Understanding

Retinal detachment

Contact us

We're here to answer any questions you have about your eye condition or treatment. If you need further information about retinal detachment or on coping with changes in your vision, then our Helpline is there for you. Just give us a call on 0303 123 9999 or email us at helpline@.uk and we'll be happy to speak with you.

RNIB's Understanding series

The Understanding series is designed to help you, your friends and family understand a little bit more about your eye condition. The series covers a range of eye conditions, and is available in audio, print and braille formats.

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Contents

4 What is a retinal detachment? 6 What is the retina? 8 What causes retinal detachment? 10 What are the symptoms of a retinal

detachment? 15 Who is at risk? 16 Can I prevent a retinal detachment? 18 What treatment is available for

a retinal detachment? 30 Coping 32 Further help and support

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What is a retinal detachment?

When your retina separates from the inside of your eye, it is known as a retinal detachment. Your retina needs to be attached inside your eye to stay healthy and work properly. If it remains detached, it will stop working. A retinal detachment can be repaired with surgery, but it needs to be detected and in most cases treated quickly, or it can cause sight loss in the affected eye.

A retinal detachment is an emergency. It needs to be assessed as soon as possible so that your ophthalmologist (hospital eye doctor) can make decisions about your treatment.

How well your sight recovers can depend on how much and in what areas your retina has detached. Most people have a good level of vision following surgery to reattach the retina.

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What is the retina?

The retina is a thin tissue, made up of a number of different layers, which lines the back of the inside of your eye. A network of blood vessels under the retina supplies its blood. Your retina is in contact with the vitreous, the clear gel that fills the inside of your eye. The retina processes the light that enters your eyes into signals which are interpreted by your brain to enable you to see things.

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